01 / STORY
Answer
Confirm your exact phone model is unlocked and eSIM-compatible before buying a travel plan. “New phone” is not a compatibility test.
Roaming keeps your home number for SMS (useful for bank codes) but can be expensive. Many travel eSIMs are data-only and do not give you a mainland +86 number or SMS on your home line.
Read validity start (install vs first use), hotspot rules, and support contacts. ChinaMate may show partner comparison links where approved; buying remains your decision after checking current provider terms.